BEGIN YOUR homebirth JOURNEY.
Prenatal Care
Prenatal care consists of monthly visits until 28 weeks, visits every 2 weeks until 36 weeks, and weekly visits from 36 weeks to birth. Appointments typically last 45 minutes, so that we have ample time to discuss your questions and concerns, check in on you and baby, and simply get to know one another. It is my goal to have developed a relationship of trust with my clients before baby is born, so that in that most intimate space of labor and birth, my presence is a familiar and safe one. A prenatal home visit will occur at 37 weeks to familiarize myself with your home and drop of birth supplies, including a birthing pool if desired. Throughout your pregnancy, I am available to you by email and call.
At each prenatal visit we will discuss/assess:
Emotional wellbeing
Physical wellbeing, any recent symptoms
Your questions or concerns
Vital signs including blood pressure and pulse
Fundal height and baby's position
Fetal Heart Rate
Urinalysis
Review recent lab/ultrasound results
Prenatal education
Nutrition and exercise
Referrals as needed (chiropractic, PT, childbirth education)
Labor and Birth
You can choose if you prefer to deliver at home, or in the birth center setting. I have delivery privileges at Labors of Love birth center in Spartanburg if you want to be at a birth center! During labor, I aim to get to your house or the birth center during the active phase of labor. I try to be as unobtrusive as possible while setting up my supplies and doing an initial assessment. Throughout your labor, I will monitor baby’s heart rate with a handheld doppler. You are free to move and be in whatever position you like, I will work around you. Movement is essential to helping baby move through the pelvis. I also encourage eating and drinking during labor and welcome when mom or dad want to catch their own baby.
Upon baby’s birth, baby is placed immediately skin-to-skin with mom for bonding during the “golden hour” following birth. I will assist with breastfeeding if needed, check newborn and maternal vitals during the immediate postpartum period, and perform a full newborn exam by your side. I am typically leaving you tucked into bed with your new baby 3-4 hours after the birth.
photo by Kristen Shorey
Postpartum
I will come to your home for postpartum visits 24-36 hours and 3-5 days after birth. We will schedule office visits at 2-3 weeks, and 6 weeks postpartum. As always, I am available by email or call for any questions that arise during the postpartum time.
